Valve - please partner with Framework for their 16" pro/gaming & 13" laptop models

[retrogunner]

Valve, the Framework 16" laptop is going to shake up the gaming laptop world. Their AMD 13" would be a good platform as well for those who don't invest in a SteamDeck.

Please partner with Framework to standardize the Steam OS v3.x for PC using their hardware. It as close as to a console-like PC hardware as possible. Folks can also take just the Framework mainboards and 16" GPU to make their own Steam Machine console.

Just an idea. Cheers.
PS. Their 13" AMD is 7040 having 12 RDNA2 CUs so it's very Deck-like.

[@R+5]

one thing i would like to see, would be a 100% modular laptop+tablet: the screen could work standalone as a tablet, but docked in its own keyboard work as a laptop, but both the screen and the keyboard should have a similar internal design to the framework laptops with options to change and add modules for different ports and settings; also would be interesting if the screen-tablet could have one processor + mini-gpu or integrated graphics, and then the keyboard, and somehow work together when docked; also, if the keyboard-"main motherboard" allowed a module to work with egpu, the whole thing could be pretty much like a portable and reliant workstation, which would be great for both linux and content creators that have adopted davinci resolve; this would also make linux more attractive for more developers to offer more programs in linux, and stop the "windows exclusive vs apple exclusive" mindset.

also, something valve should include is a vertical mouse, or a "nintendo switch like" steam controller (split in two halves that can be combined or used one in each hand), plus gravity sensors, so they could be used for pretty much anything (the trackpads in the original steam controller are one of the greatest things, minus the left trackpad with the "cross-texture": imo both should have been flat; and the left one should have been modular-removable).

[NerdNextDoor]

YESSSS! THAT WOULD BE COOL!

[Shugo]

just use windows or install your linux of choice + steam, is the same thing o.O

[retrogunner]

Originally posted by Shugo:

just use windows or install your linux of choice + steam, is the same thing o.O

One could do that. But then you're managing the OS, and Steam, and all sorts of other stuff.

If Valve partners with Framework, Valve can assure Framework owners that SteamOS 3 would just like running it on the Steam Deck, but as a Steam Gaming Laptop. Valve would be working behind the customer scenes working out any hiccups on Framework's hardware.

Given the Framework 13" AMD 7040 is really the Steam Deck's bigger sibling, that would be an easy win. Working with Framework, maybe even offer a 120-144hz max variable refresh rate to extend the battery life by using the 40hz/40fps cap setting. Details on the 16" are still shrouded in mystery.

Without that Valve validation, and since Valve hasn't released SteamOS 3 for PS, if someone wants a Steam Laptop they'd have to either:
* do you like you mentioned Windows or Linux install - time to deal with drivers & other OS uglies
* use the community Holo OS or other Spin (unvetted by Valve.)
* Follow Valve instructions
* install Arch from scratch and tune their install like this user (which is very cool of them to document.)

If I had a gaming laptop, leveraging the Steam Deck's Steam OS 3 community means easy mods, huge community support, etc. Internet solutions would be so much easier to find.

Having a Steam Deck, I love using it. But some games play better on the Desktop/Laptop.

Additionally, if I'm away from the house (say work), pulling out a Steam Deck draws lots of attention fast. If you set both out in the open where a thief could steal only one, what would they grab? The Steam Deck - new hotness, smaller, etc. Laptop - locked to the desk.

With a Laptop running Steam OS 3, I could drop from Desktop Mode to Game Mode for maximum gaming performance using community tunings.

The Steam OS 3 Desktop mode is quite capable. If you're an experienced Linux user there's still lots to do without turning off read-only on the OS volume.

I think a Valve + Framework collab would be great idea. I'm sure Framework would be open it. It's a win-win-win.
* Framework has more sales, expanding their community, and contributes in positive, open source ways.
* Valve sells more games and it is unlikely eat Steam Deck sales as new Laptop buyers need its functionality/form factor. I wouldn't be surprised is many folks owned both.
* Users have more choice, use-cases, shared experience & support from framework & steam deck Steam OS 3 communities, yet another self-repair/right-to-repair, and creating more FOMO with other gamers ;-) having an customized, enthusiast's 16 gaming laptop.

All that would be so cool.

[Thynix]

This was how I found HoloISO when starting at SteamOS 2 due to searching for "Steam OS" - thank you for being so specific.